Victorian vegetable growers now have a stronger voice, with the launch of AUSVEG VIC last night.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mary-Anne Thomas toasted the formation of AUSVEG VIC last night, a new organisation that will give growers greater ability to speak directly with Government and industry.
Building on the work of the Vegetable Growers’ Association of Victoria, AUSVEG VIC will represent the interests of vegetable and potato growers.
AUSVEG VIC represents the country’s largest vegetable exporting state, of which Victoria contributed 31 per cent of Australia’s vegetable exports in 2013-14.
Both industry, through organisations such as AUSVEG VIC, and government have a role in helping boost production and capturing market access opportunities.
The Andrews Labor Government has committed $5.2 million for a specialised trade unit to support trade negotiations and address trade barriers. We are working to improve the industry’s access to domestic and international markets, developing export protocols and measures to address biosecurity threats.
The Government’s Horticulture Centre for Excellence based in Tatura supports horticulture R&D, extension and industry enhancement activities right across the state.
Through the new Horticulture Innovation Fund, worth $1 million and supporting industry to partner with research organisations, the Government is also promoting innovation and collaboration in the sector.
The Government recognises that water access problems have been exacerbated by drought in many parts of the state, that access to labour is often in short supply at harvest time, and that the Federal Government’s proposed changes to backpacker tax could make sourcing workers even harder.
That’s why the Government is looking forward to working with AUSVEG VIC to support the state’s growers and create an environment where they can capitalise on domestic and international export opportunities.
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“Growers, AUSVEG VIC and the Andrews Labor Government are working together to build a horticulture sector that is innovative, collaborative and well informed.”
“The long-term sustainability of Victoria’s vegetable-growing sector and regional communities rely on innovation and strong collaboration between industry, government and the community.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020